Tuesday, July 31, 2007

It's been a few days since I've blogged....I've been sick, Michael's been sick....I went with Hannah's Girl Scout Troop to Georgia.We had a really good time. We hiked to see 2 different falls...boy, was that a lot of hiking. We tubed down the Hooch...I'm too fat to tube down 6 inches of water. We ate at some really good restaurants...I love taking pictures of food. We shopped in Helen... we spent over an hour in the glass blowing shop!

Okay, is it wrong that I'm about to blog about food? My friends are blogging about their spiritual convictions and I'm blogging about food....I think that there really is something wrong with it, but I'm going to do it anyway!

We decided to eat at a restaurant called Edelweiss German Inn & Restaurant - delicious! We got all dressed up and drove to Sautee, Georgia. The restaurant closed at 9pm and we arrived at 8:15pm. There were barely any cars in the parking lot and we were a little nervous...thinking that maybe the restaurant was either (a) closed or (b) not good. Well, as it turns out it was (c) none of the above....it was WONDERFUL! We were greeted by 2 women who were dressed in German outfits and quickly led to a table for 6. The table had a beautiful tablerunner, candles and flowers. The lights were dim and the atmosphere was authentic...I'm imagining since I've never been to Germany.

After receiving our menus we scanned all the German and Bavarian entrees. The girls decided to order off the children's menu once they found out that ice cream was included. Hannah ordered coconut shrimp and fries (not German at all but she said they were the best fries ever!) I had a much harder time deciding what to order. Finally, I ordered Sauerbraten with Spatzle. This turned out to be a great choice. I have never eaten spatzle before and had to ask my friend, Johnna, what it was. The girls tried our Sauerbraten (both Johnna and I ordered the same dish) and they all loved it! Here...I'll copy and paste the description of the meal! Choice top round of beef, marinated for several days, braised and slow roasted, served Bavarian style.

Overall, the trip was a success. Each girl is going to journal about our time in Helen, GA and when they do I'll post it on our Girl Scout blog.

Now, it's back to the grind....I've been trying to play catch up with work. I only get paid when I work...and I didn't work for almost 2 weeks because I was sick and then on the GS trip.

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Okay, so I didn't do so well this week. I could give lots of excuses...but I won't.My mom and I are going to try and eat raw as much as possible. I'm going out of town this weekend with Hannah's Girl Scout troop so, raw may not be available...but I'm going to do my best!I think I should break down and purchase a scale. Everytime I go to weigh in at Publix I weigh myself multiple times, before and after shopping, and each time it registers something different. Oops, was that an excuse.....

My friend, Lexdi, is pregnant with her 3rd girl. Another friend, Tracy, called a few weeks ago and asked if I would like to help her host a shower for Lexdi. I am always ready for a party. We packed my little house - 15 women in total! It was one of the easiest parties I have had. All I had to do was make a cake and sweet tea....

I checked out At Home with Carolyne Roehm. The book has beautiful photos of table settings and delicious looking food. She uses all different kinds of coverings for her tables. (Check out her website for some great ideas!) I love quilts and have a twin quilt that was in my mom's spare bedroom and really only use it in a pinch when we have lots of company. So....I decided to put it on the table as my tablecloth. It looked beautiful and was perfect. I was so busy that I didn't get a photo of it...so you'll have to use your imagination.

I made a cake from scratch which was a mistake because it was dry. But what the cake lacked in moistness (is that a word?) I made up for in decoration! I made fudge frosting...that part was really yummy. I put the fudge frosting in between the 3 layers and then on top. Then I added red food coloring to white frosting I purchased. It came out a lovely shade of pink. I put the pink frosting along the side of the cake. I piped along the top edge and bottom edge and added the initial of the baby. It turned out beautiful and with a glass of milk it would be enjoyable. Now that I think about it...this might be a blessing. I really don't want another piece!

For my gift I bought some ribbon and crocheted edging at Walmart....

Sidebar: Okay, I was at Walmart with Hannah and my Mom...we were buying gifts for Lexdi's 1st shower that I went to. Anyway, I decided that I wanted to make her some designer burp cloths. I found the ribbon I wanted and the crocheted edging that matched. I went to the cutting table and waited for the Walmart associate. I rang the bell....my mom rang the bell...Hannah rang the bell. We all rang the bell numerous times....and no associate. My mom picked up the phone in the fabric department and tried to page someone (I wish that would have worked...that would have been hysterical!) Anyway, I decided that I would go ahead and cut the ribbon and edging myself....I can measure. All the while, Hannah and my mom were ringing the bell. Still no associate. So, I then decide to try to scan the items myself. I'm a college graduate, I should be able to figure out how to scan an item. Well, after a few tries I did figure it out. I printed out the price tags, put my ribbon and edging in clear bags and pinned the price tags to the bags and left the fabric department. I hope that someone watches the video footage...they might just get a laugh out of that. That was a long sidebar...sorry about that. Funny story though, isn't it?

Okay, so I sewed the edging onto the bottom of cloth diapers and then sewed the ribbon on top of the edging. The finished product turned out perfect, much cuter than the designer burp cloths I found in a boutique and they were 3 for $18! I think I've found my new baby gift!

Sunday, July 22, 2007

Michael and Jacob went to Cub Scout Camp this weekend, so it was just us girls at home. We almost made a quick trip to see the Botley crew, but decided not to because I still am not feeling well. It was a good decision; Michael ended up coming home because he was sick (but then went back after getting a good night's rest here at home) and also, Melissa's youngest, Emily, got sick.

Hannah was very disappointed that we didn't make the trip. I tried to convince her that since I was sick it was the responsible thing to do - she eventually agreed. On Thursday I had to run an errand at the mall and we ended up looking in the junior department at Parisian. She found a new bathing suit and an outfit. The outfit was definitely not needed, but she did need a new bathing suit. This helped lift her spirits.

On Friday I thought that a movie would be fun....so we set off for more errands. I bought some fabric to make curtains for her room and then we stopped at Chick-fil-A to get a drink. I kept waiting for her ask why we were stopping for just a drink...but she didn't. We then whipped into the mall parking lot....actually, it wasn't really a whip...it was more like a drive around for 5 mintues looking for a parking space. She did ask why we were there and I told her I wanted to see what movies were playing. (Little did she know that I already looked and had the times written down in my purse.) Anyway, on the way into the mall we ran into Hannah's 5th Grade teacher. We chatted for a few minutes and then she asked what we were seeing....I admit....I lied. I told her we were going to see what was playing. When we got in line, the first thing Hannah said was, "We can see Hairspray, it starts in 10 mintues."

Yep, we saw Hairspray. It actually was a cute movie. As we were waiting for the movie to start I thought back to when I was in middle school and my mom took me to see Dirty Dancing. She liked Patrick Swayze from the mini-series, North and South. I remember asking, is that him to all these ugly guys and she would say no. Then when Johnny finally appeared, I said, "that has to be him." I was right. Looking back, it probably was not the most appropriate movie to take a middle schooler....sorry mom. Before going to Hairspray I check plugged in to see what they had to say about the movie.

Sidebar: Typing about Dirty Dancing made me think of a funny story. I absolutely loved Dirty Dancing and went to see it again with my Sunday School teacher's wife...she was also a friend of mine - she was a lot of fun. Anyway, I went to see Dirty Dancing with her. After the movie was over we both had to go to the bathroom soooooo bad. We were laughing and apparently not paying attention, because we walked right into the men's restroom. Not only did we just kind of walk in, we really walked in. We were still talking and were inside before we noticed that there were men standing up facing the walls. Oops....we couldn't stop laughing. Good thing it was before kids.....I wouldn't have made it to the women's restroom!

Anyway, Hannah and I had a wonderful weekend together. She is turning into a beautiful young woman, inside and out. I really enjoyed spending time with her. Always a daughter, now a friend.

Friday, July 20, 2007

Okay, I check out Cowtown Stacy's blog every now and then and noticed one of her links because of its name - Operation Soccer Chopper. It sounded too neat to not click on it. You have to check out this website. Anyone want to join me in contributing?

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Remember my frames I purchased and had leaning up against my wall.....Well, with Hannah and Michael's help, they are all hung up. I filled all the frames with photos, Hannah cut out paper templates, Michael and I arranged the paper on the wall and then Michael hung them all. We are a perfect team! I got the idea from Pottery Barn to do the photo wall.

The best tip I ever received from an interior designer is to hang things lower than you think they should be. Things should be eye level when seated. Next time you are looking through a design magazine, look to see where things are hung. That is one of the first things I notice when I walk into someone's house - that their photos, framed art and wall hangings are hung just too high. Bringing down the wall hangings makes the room feel cozier.

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Okay...I just arrived home from my weekly weigh in at Publix. I'm not sure the scale is accurate though. I weighed 2 times before shopping and once after shopping and they all were different...but all within 1/2 lb. I went with the heighest weight. I should just break down and buy a scale.

So, when did boxes of jello go up to $1 for the small box? I thought they were 3 for $1. And why is milk $4.19? I have started buying milk from Walgreens and CVS, basically whoever has the sale on milk. Even still, their milk is $3.19 at regular price. So while I am not happy about paying $2.89/gallon for gas, I'm just glad my car doesn't run on milk!

UPDATE on Today's Challenge (from yesterday):

Jacob spent most of the day yesterday building a military bunker and military vehicles.

Hannah spent most of the day painting the rooms in her dollhouse.

Today's Challenge: Set a GOAL to accomplish something productive and achieve that goal.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Summer means....being able to sleep in, the kids are out of school, colorful flowers, picnics, afternoon rain showers, watermelon, a relaxed schedule, a family vacation, grilled veggies, suntan lotion, swimming, shorts, many hours of daylight, craft projects.....Ah, I love summertime.

I've come up with some "Challenges" for us this summer. I started with O'Donnell Family Reading Challenge. The challenge is to read at least 1 hour a day and after 20 days you receive a prize. So far, Hannah is the only one to complete 20 days of reading. She got new sheets, a 'fluffy' comforter for her bed (which she has been begging for) and a new pillow sham. She has now started over...

Our other one is Today's Challenge. We've only done this a few times, actually, I just came up with it after reading the Sanctuary book. Our 1st challenge - How long can we go without speaking a negative comment? We all did pretty well, actually Jacob did the best. Our 2nd challenge - No more than 2 hours of tv (including video games, movies, tv shows) and no more 1 hour of computer time.I am very guilty of letting Hannah and Jacob watch tv for far too many hours during the day while I work. So far today they have played 2 board games, complained a little, and walked around the house - opening the refrigerator numerous times and then shutting it. Right now Hannah is painting the rooms to her dollhouse. Jacob has already played an hour of video games and says that he is saving his other hour for Jon & Kate, Plus 8.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Okay, this is totally random, I know....but I thought it would be fun. I have a 'super-sonic' sniffer and have always been good at 'sniffing things out'.Be warned, this is totally gross, but I'll type it anyway....Once when I was younger I told Mom and Jason that there were something really stinky outside my bedroom window. Jason did a quick scan outside and didn't see anything. Basically, they thought I was crazy. Well, low and behold, a few weeks later Jason found an animal that was, um, dead! I told you it was gross..... [Note: Hannah read this and said it wasn't that gross...I guess me remembering the smell is what is GROSS!]With my 'super-sonic' nose, I have always enjoyed smells. I even enjoy the smell of dinner more than eating it...I know, why the weight problem? (Another post....) Certain smells immediately remind me of people, places and times in my life. So, here are a few of my favorites.....

Saturday, July 14, 2007

While at the library last week, I was browsing the new titles and came across this book, Creating a Blessed Place to Live and Love by Pamela Bailey. I decided, why not, and checked it out. I think it was meant to be more of a workbook because there are questions to answer at the end of each chapter. Actually some of the questions were thought provoking and while I didn't write down my answers, I did attempt to answer each question.The English major in me wanted more from Bailey's writing, but I'm blogging about it, so there must have been some great points, right?

Here is a quote that 'got me'...."If I am handling most challenges in my daily life but have some issues I wish to avoid, my home is usually neat and tidy except for one corner of a room or a desk, that is filled with clutter. The clutter undoubtedly is indicative of the avoidance of cleaning up issues in my personal life."

My clutter isn't a corner, but a whole room, my bedroom. I have thought about this for years, that on the outside someone just dropping by would think that I have it all together. Usually my house is presentable, but my bedroom is another story. Very few have seen it and I'm thinking that maybe very few have seen the real me. I'm very good at giving people what they want, or what I think they want.

I've totally cleaned up my room (numerous times) and kept it clean for a while, but inevitably, it becomes cluttered again. I get busy and/or lazy and before I know it I have to keep my door to my bedroom closed. This reminds me of sin. While I'm in the Word and working on my daily relationship with Jesus, my sinful nature is not cluttering me up. But when I become too busy with 'busyness' and/or I become lazy and selfish with my time, (i.e. watching too much tv, being on the computer too much) I neglect my relationship with Jesus and sin creeps back in. Before I know it I'm a cluttered mess. So...I am going to try and make daily devotions and 'real quiet time' with Jesus a habit.

(See The Lazy Organizer for more info on SMART Habit Saturday) Phew...that's all for now....really, there were other wonderful points in the book. What I came away with after reading it is the importance of making my home a sanctuary for Michael, Hannah, Jacob and for me.

1 geranium, absolutely love it and it is doing great...kicking myself that I didn't purchase more than one

1 Dahlia, has lots of buds, no blooms yet

1 impatient, planted in too shallow of a container....oh, well

1 watermelon plant, that Michael mowed over a month ago....maybe we'll have melons next year

gardenia bushes in front, I pruned them last year, heavily pruned them. Got a few blooms this year, I'm sure next year will be better.

azaelas on the side yard, I heavily pruned them also and they bloomed this year, but I know that next year they will be beautiful.

I have lots of seed packets....but haven't decided where to plant yet. I have morning glories that I would love to plant along the fence. I have grand visions of a cottage garden but Michael is not a fan of plants in the ground...because he has to 'mow around them'. However, he is the one that purchased 5 of the hydrangeas for me...as a surprise. I am trying to convince him that with more 'garden area' he will have less to mow.....

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Another Wednesday, another loss....a good loss. I'm down 5 lbs. I need to focus on the amount lost, not the amount I need to lose. That is something that gets to me every time. So I say self, "I lost 5 pounds, try carrying around a 5 lb. bag of sugar all day." Okay, I feel better.This week I'm going to try some recipes from The Biggest Loser cookbook....I'll let you know if any are 'a must try'.

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

After 3 weeks of 4 hours of daily practice we can now get back to normal....

Tonight's game was exciting to watch. We lost, 1-0, but almost tied it in the last inning. Jacob played 1st base and stopped a lot of balls and got many outs at 1st. After last night's major loss we were so proud of the team.

Now...we can eat dinner together at a normal hour. Michael can cut the grass...I should take a photo of the grass; it looks like a meadow! We can play games as a family, watch movies and just plain relax and enjoy our summer.

It has been a busy weekend for us...filled with Hannah returning home from her trip to Cincinnati with DeeDee and PaPa. She had a blast and came home tan. We missed her and are glad to have her home.The main culprit of our 'busyness' has been All-StarBaseball. Jacob's team played Friday night and won 16-0, Saturday and won 4-3 (in the 3rd extra inning) and again last night, losing 17-1. Within the 1st inning last night they were down by 8 runs and then in the 2nd inning our 1st base player got hit in the nose when he was up to bat, breaking his nose in at least 2 places. Paramedics were called and he was taken to the hospital. The boys just could not shake it....so we play the same team, for the 3rd time, tonight. Whoever wins tonight's game will be the district champions. I feel butterflies just typing this...and I'm just a parent....

Thursday, July 5, 2007

Okay, so Michael measured my 10 year old today...and he is only 1 1/2 inches shorter than I am! How did that happen?

It truly seems just yesterday that he was a little boy, running around playing with his matchbox cars....oh wait, that was just yesterday!

Why is it that when our children are very little, we long for 'the next stage'? When they will eat solid food, when they will be potty trained, when they will ride a bike - sans the training wheels. While we, as parents, long for our children to grow up and learn and become independent people - at the same time we are saying goodbye to wonderful 'phases'.My desire: To be better at cherishing each day, each moment. Another reason to scrapbook...need I say more? Nope...didn't think so.

A memory of Jacob.....some will not approve....oh, well.

Jacob was probably 4 years old and it was bedtime. I recently shared this story with Michael and he didn't remember being there , but remembered the story, so he must have been out. This is an important part of the story, see it has always been Michael who has put Hannah and Jacob to bed. When Michael was out or away, I would be the tucker. This particular evening Jacob was being very rambunctious and really was not ready to go to bed. I cannot remember exactly what he was doing, but he was making noise and probably bothering his sister (he is still great at the bothering his sister part). Anyway, I made a trip upstairs, which immediately was a strike against him...climbing the stairs, not my favorite part of a 2-story. I digress....While upstairs I asked, "Jacob, do you need a spanking to help you get to sleep?", to which he replied, "No," with his covers over his head. I fixed his blankets and went back downstairs. Not much later I heard footsteps upstairs and the next thing I knew a little blond head appeared over the banister. "Mommy, I think I need a spanking," Jacob said. I immediately started laughing and walked him back upstairs.Needless to say....no spanking for Jacob, but a great memory.

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

This week seemed to drag on...not exactly sure why. Probably because I was looking forward to weighing in the morning, did I really say that?

I'm so proud of us....we have not only posted our weight (and really bad before photos) for the world to see, but we have forwarded our blogs on to our friends. It actually took a lot of courage to post my weight. I know I'm overweight, but in my mind, I don't see myself as 'fat'. It is only when I see a photo of myself that I have to do a double take...to look at my double chin....

To be completely honest, I didn't feel like I sacrificed any. Although, I didn't have any candy, cookies, or sweets...well, other than 1 zinger (what was I thinking...they aren't even good). I also watched portions, but other than that, I ate what everyone else was eating. I guess that is the key, portions. And cutting out the sugar, I wasn't hungry. I probably did chose more wisely, knowing I was going to have to post my weight loss on the blog.

I'm proud of my mom, she is on vacation and has been eating out and what others are making. She told me that she has been walking, also....Great Job, Mom! Melissa has always been good about losing weight. She likes healthy food and can make healthy dishes taste yummy. Next week she'll be at youth camp.....she'll probably come back with a big loss...I remember camp food.....

Enjoy the 4th.....Here's what I'll be eating.Grilled, lean burgers on whole wheat bunsCorn on the cobFresh fruit saladI might even bake up some brownies...made with the Insta-Bake.

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

What a perfectly terrific Tuesday I had. With no place to be today I was able to sleep in - oh the absolute joy of no alarm clock. I must admit, that is a guilty pleasure of mine...sleeping in. But why do I feel guilty? Not sure...another post, perhaps.

I checked the blogs this morning and then did a few chores. After Jacob cleaned his room, with much prompting, we drove over and met Michael for lunch. He has been raving about a new Chinese restaurant, so of course, we had to try it. Great salt and pepper chicken, interesting. My only concern with the restaurant was that it is a 'buffet' and with Weigh Wednesday tomorrow, I was worried I wouldn't be able to make the best choices. After deciding that this is not a diet, but a way of life, I conceded. Actually, I made good choices...mostly veggies and some shrimp. Now that I think about it I ate mostly mushrooms....they had the most delicious mushrooms - weird, I know.

After lunch Jacob and I went back to Michael's office and talked for a bit. Jacob really enjoys seeing where his daddy works...and of course wanted to stay. But since children really aren't allowed, we headed home.

Jacob was supposed to have baseball practice tonight, but it got rained out. Which is a total blessing, not only that he (and we) could use a night off from practice, but we welcomed the rain. My many hydrangeas that Michael purchased for me recently needed the watering.

I worked for a bit this afternoon, which is always terrific....means I get a paycheck.

When Michael got home I tried to convince him to work on Hannah's closet...definitely another post....but with the rain he decided going to buy wood would not be the best idea. We decided to measure and plan some more....and I think we've determined we'll wait for PaPa to return home.

I had to return a movie to Blockbuster and also had to pick up a book on hold at the library. I tried to persuade Michael and Jacob to join me, but alas - I was on my own. Just as well, I was able to browse the library, at my own convenience, rather than running in only to pick up the book on hold. (The book wasn't even for me, but for Hannah). I found a biography of Florence Nightingale and a Biggest Loser Cookbook....very excited about both.

At Blockbuster I picked out a movie for Michael and then was going to pick one for Jacob, seeing as how I had something to read when I returned home. Then, as I had 2 movies in my hands, neither for me, I saw the movie Miss Potter...which I had in my queue online. I decided to 'shelve' the kid movie and rent a movie for me.

When I got home I popped a bag of popcorn and settled in to watch Miss Potter....I tried to have company, but Michael and Jacob were racing matchbox cars in Jacob's room....

I must tell you, Miss Potter was by far the best movie I have seen all year....maybe even longer. A beautifully enchanting film, one that you can watch with the whole family, although really small children probably would not 'get it'. I'm now wishing I had checked out Beatrix Potter's biography instead. I will have to dig out some of our Peter Rabbit books.

While Melissa was here visiting, we were at Wal-Mart looking for frames. I found this lucite photo cube for less than $2 and thought it would be fun to make mini scrapbook pages for the cube. I found some time tonight, while Jacob and Michael were out at the ball field. I will have to get some newer photos printed for the other sides, but thought I would post my photo tip.

Sunday, July 1, 2007

My roommate and I once: adopted a kitten from the Humane Society…while we lived in a dorm. We ended up giving it away a week later.Not the best idea.

Never in my life have I: traveled overseas…hopefully, I’ll get the chance.

High school was: Boca Raton High…can’t think of anything else to say.

When I'm nervous: I Laugh!

My hair: is in a ponytail right now…and usually is, unless I have enough time to blow it dry.

When I was 5: I moved to South Florida.

When I turn my head left: I see a row of frames that I purchased a few weeks ago. Some have photographs in them…some don’t. All still need to be hung on the wall.

I should be: working.

By this time next year: I’ll have lost weight and gone on a cruise with Melissa and my Mom.

My favorite aunt is: Aunt Holly…I remember summers spent in Mason, Oh. She worked for a golf course and I would work in the snack shop one week during a tournament. It was fun... But wait...my Aunt Julie is a blast also. Why this memory came to me, I don't know...but I remember her and my uncle coming down from Ohio for my graduation and she took Melissa and I to McDonalds....she fit right in.

I have a hard time understanding: lots! Why people leave their turn signals on after they’ve turned. Why every Burger King is slow. Why every time you wash your car…it rains. How Elmo can hear…he has no ears.

You know I like you if: steal one of your ideas. That sounds bad…if I copy one of your ideas.

My ideal breakfast is: made for me.

If you visit my home town: I’d take you to Hopkin’s Eatery, around FSU, the capital and back to Hopkins…no, just kidding…there are other great restaurants!

If you spend the night at my house: we’d probably stay up late talking.

My favorite blonde is: do I have to choose…both my kids are blonde…Hannah and Jacob.

My favorite brunette is: My mom.

The animal I would like to see flying besides birds: Pigs…then lots would come true…right?

I shouldn't have been: surfing the web today…ºÜº

Last night I: read before I went to bed, around 11pm.

A better name for me would be: Martha Stewart…just kidding…um…Mommy??? I don’t know!

Okay....found the coolest thing while tinkering around yesterday. iGoogle is what it is called. You can add links (bookmarks), calendars, Scripture of the day, weather for your area.....basically, you name it, you can add it. I'm still adding and figuring out things.Click on the photo above and you can really see what it looks like.

About Me

I've been blessed with a wonderful, helpful and fun husband - Michael. Together we have 2 incredible children, Hannah and Jacob.
I love all things creative....
cooking, gardening, crafting, scrapbooking, sewing, crocheting, beading, photography...just to name a few.